Virtual Herbarium

Floral Symmetry
In many keys it is necessary to determine the symmetry of flowers. This web site aims to reduce the possible problems in determining symmetry with the aid of notes, images and a test. This web site is not an in-depth analysis of floral symmetry. It is purely designed to help users of dichotomous keys make the choice between actinomorphic and zygomorphic. For more academic detail see papers such as Endress, PK (1999) Symmetry in flowers: diversity and evolution. Int. J. Plant Sci. 160 (6 Suppl.): S3-S23.’

Click on the following aspects of floral symmetry to view notes and high quality images depicting the various features.
               * What is floral symmetry?

               * Actinomorphic or radial (or regular)

               * Zygomorphic or bilateral (or irregular)

               * Asymmetric

               * Common problems assessing symmetry

               * Floral formulae

               * Test
Charles Sturt University Herbarium

email: kkent@csu.edu.au